International assessment studies

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)
TIMSS is a worldwide research project which takes place every four years. It provides data about trends in mathematics and science achievement over time. As in previous years, NFER was the National Research Centre for TIMSS in England and Scotland in 2006 The next TIMSS survey will take place in 2011.

Progress in Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)
This rigorous international survey takes place every five years, comparing the reading attainment and attitudes to reading of over 200,000 9- and 10-year-old children in 41 countries. NFER administers PIRLS in England Scotland, and is involved in the development of the assessments used. The next PIRLS survey wil take place in 2011.

OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (OECD PISA)
OECD PISA is the world's biggest international education survey, involving schools and students in over 50 countries. It assesses the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds as they approach the end of compulsory education. NFER is currently administering the participation of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the 2009 survey.

The International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS)
ICCS involves nearly 40 countries worldwide, and represents a once-in-a-decade opportunity to investigate young people’s awareness and views of the role of the citizen in local, national and international contexts. The survey in took place in 2009, administered in England by NFER. Findings from the study (at national and internatinal level) will be available here in summer 2010.

European Survey on Language Competences  (ESLC)
ESLC is a European Union study of the modern foreign language skills of secondary school pupils aged 15. The languages in scope for testing in the survey are French, German, English, Italian and Spanish. Each participating country selects the two most commonly taught languages - for England this is French and German. NFER is carrying out the survey in England in 2011.

The International Survey of Adult Skills (ISAS)
ISAS is a collaboration between national governments and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It aims to find out about the different activities that adults do in their daily lives and to learn about their experiences of education and work. In the UK the study is led by NFER, in partnership with NatCen, TNS-BMRB and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. The field test will take place between May and August 2010, and the main study in 2011-2012, with results published in 2013.